Bhutan need not worry about Zika Virus

Tshering Zam, Thimphu
Feb 2, 2016

Director of Department of Public Health under health ministry, Dr. Pandup Tshering said Bhutan need not worry about the outbreak of Zika Virus. He said they are in the process of intensifying mosquito control activities.

“Now, we have already instructed our vector borne disease control program in Gelegphu.” The Director said, in fact, they already have been carrying out mosquito control activities to prevent from Malaria and Dengue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mosquito-borne disease as global health emergency after it became viral in Americas and Africa in 2015.

The disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. People suffering the disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for two to seven days.

Dr. Pandup Tshering said travelers, who have travelled to infected countries, should visit the nearest hospital if they have any such symptoms.

“As of now, as per the WHO guideline, there is no restriction to travel or trade with the countries affected by Zika Virus. But we like to inform anybody travelling to Zika infected countries to take precautions.”

The risk, he said is more with pregnant women. “So pregnant women travelling to these countries should be more careful and should prevent mosquito bites.”

Aedes mosquito is the same mosquito that transmits dengue and yellow fever. There is no vaccine and treatment available as of now.